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DIRECT SUBSTITUTION OF SULFUR FOR ASPHALT IN PAVING MATERIALS

Prompted by forecasts of a sulfur oversupply, the Bureau of Mines, is conducting research on potentially large-scale uses to extend or replace such construction materials as asphalt, cement, and mineral aggregates. Paving materials have been developed in which sulfur replaces up to 50 pct of the asphalt. Laboratory properties and design methods for this direct mixing process are described along with properties obtained on small- and large-scale field demonstration projects. These properties are compared with materials prepared without sulfur additions. Monitoring for toxic gases during laboratory and commercial mixing and paving operations is discussed.